Check Out the Cherry Blossoms: Springtime in Washington DC

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For over a hundred years, more than 1.5 million visitors have traveled to DC each Spring to admire the cherry blossoms that bloom on 3,000+ trees across three park locations around DC: the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park (Hains Point), and on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

While the trees typically reach peak bloom around April 3-4, weather patterns have a major effect on timelines. While exact predictions on dates are usually made in February, last year peak bloom was between April 9-13. This year, the Cherry Blossom festival, full of events that honor both the American and Japanese cultures, will take place March 20 – April 15. The festival features more than 200 international cultural performances and over 90 other special events. Full details on the event here.

Fun Fact: The festival represents a close bond forged between the United States and Japan that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees back in 1912.

The cherry blossoms in DC are similar to the sakura (cherry blossoms) found in Japan from late-March to early April which blanket the country with pink flowers.